By the Great Horn Spoon

by Sid Fleischman

By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman was, for us, an absolutely fabulous homeschooling read - and was the highlight of our
Gold Rush Activities.

Don’t be put off by the cover of this book. Sid manages to portray the harsh times of the California Gold Rush with gentleness and humour. It is about a boy and his butler (a very Jeeves character) who set off to make a fortune in the Gold Rush - and have lots of adventures en-route!

They begin by stowing away on a steamboat bound for California. A good deal of the beginning of the book is about the journey. For homeschool geography we looked up the route of the steamboat and discussed why they travelled by sea and not by land.

Once they get to California, there are detailed descriptions of what life was like as a gold miner. We enjoyed the history of the tale, and we discussed the economics of the times.

The book ends with a clever twist that we really enjoyed. All in all, we were sorry that we had finished the book. We had really got to like the two main characters, Jack and Praisworthy, and are sorry there aren't more books of their adventures!

Oh my goodness! I am a home schooling mum of 4 and I have NEVER found a better site! Thank you so much.
Blessings, Jenny (New Zealand)
I wanted to say THANK YOU for your fabulous website. I found your website, and finally I have the confidence to take the plunge and take my daughter out of school and educate her at home, thank you, thank you.Marina (UK)
I cannot get over how much great information and super ideas you have here. Fantastic!Ruralmama (USA)
This is simply fabulous!! I just now found this site and I'm so excited!! The opportunities and suggestions as well as the need to inspire are exactly what I have been searching to fulfill!! I'm so thrilled to get started and even more excited to continue to explore all of the fabulous suggestions and creative ideas you have offered here!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!Jennifer (USA)